You will take compulsory and optional modules offered by the School of Law and Politics (subject to any pre-requisite conditions, accommodation, timetable or other constraints that may apply in that particular year) and complete a dissertation. 

The course is delivered in two stages.  Stage One (the taught component) comprises 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules. Stage Two comprises the dissertation. 

During Stage One, you will be taught and assessed in modules in each semester. You will progress to the dissertation upon successful completion of Stage One.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2019/20 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2019.

Year One comprises taught modules to the value of 120 credits, delivered through 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules.

Upon successful completion of the taught stage, you will progress to the 60 credit dissertation. 

How will I be taught?

Study for a Master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory; we will expect you to undertake self-directed study, be well prepared by completing the required reading and participate fully in classes. 

You will be taught through lectures and seminars which are designed to assist you to analyse and evaluate ideas and information from guided reading.

How will I be supported?

We will support you in improving your study and research skills with dedicated classes at the beginning of each semester. 

All modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.

You will receive pastoral support through our personal tutor scheme and academic staff have dedicated office hours to meet with you to discuss any learning queries.  You are welcome to attend our programme of visiting speakers and guest lectures.  A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities.

The University has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. The University also offers writing skills support for students whose first language is not English. 

Feedback

Feedback is given orally during seminars and you will receive written feedback on your summative coursework.  Feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well how you might improve your performance.  Written feedback will be made available no later than four weeks from the submission of your assessment.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed mainly by essay and unseen written examination. Other forms of assessment include seminar presentations, class tests and book and article reviews.

Summative assessments count towards your degree. Your marks in these assessments count towards your formal progression from Stage One (taught modules) to Stage Two (the dissertation), and towards the determination of your final award. The dissertation comprises the Stage Two summative assessment.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Postgraduate students are expected to assume a greater responsibility for their education than undergraduates.  Through your Master’s degree, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic employability skills.

During the course you will be able to extend your communication and presentation skills, both oral and written and develop collaborative skills.  You will enhance your analytical skills, be able to develop a reasoned argument and reflect on your own learning by making use of constructive feedback. 

You will be encouraged to work independently and develop your research skills by seeking relevant materials from a variety of sources, evaluating this evidence to develop a reasoned argument.  You will reflect upon empirical and theoretical issues and critically evaluate current research.

Tuition fees

UK and EU students (2019/20)

More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.

EU students entering in 2019/20 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course. Please be aware that fees may increase annually in line with inflation. No decisions regarding fees and loans for EU students starting in 2020/21 have been made yet. These will be determined as part of the UK's discussions on its membership of the EU and we will provide further details as soon as we can.

Students from outside the EU (2019/20)

More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.